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2009 Pontiac Solstice Safety Review

February 22, 2009

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Four stars, front impacts; five stars, side impacts
NHTSA

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes, as well as stability and traction control, are standard
Edmunds

Side airbags are not offered
Consumer Guide

New standard equipment includes StabiliTrak stability control, anti-lock brakes (ABS)
Kelley Blue Book

The Pontiac Solstice gets some much-needed safety improvements for the 2009 model, and while it hasn't yet been tested by the IIHS, its NHTSA ratings are acceptable.

In NHTSA's front impact category, the Pontiac Solstice earns a decent four-star rating for crash protection—albeit against vehicles of similar weight. The side impact category is even stronger, with the 2009 Pontiac Solstice garnering a perfect five-star rating in both driver and passenger side impacts—though without side airbags. The Pontiac Solstice also wins, perhaps unsurprisingly, a perfect five-star rating in terms of rollover resistance, thanks in large part to its low center of gravity.

In response to numerous criticisms regarding the standard safety features on the Pontiac Solstice, GM has upgraded the list to include some very common, and critical, technologies. According to Kelley Blue Book, "new standard equipment includes StabiliTrak stability control [and] anti-lock brakes (ABS)." Edmunds adds that "traction control [is] standard on all Pontiac Solstice trims," although unfortunately "side airbags aren't offered." Other than those newly standard features, TheCarConnection.com discovers little else in the way of active safety systems.

Given the 2009 Pontiac Solstice's small dimensions and generous window size, it's probably unsurprising that visibility is generally good. The only real complaint in this regard comes from Consumer Guide reviewers, who find that "visibility to the rear is partially blocked by a pair of decklid humps directly behind the seat headrests." Although this obstruction is a nuisance, it's not enough to warrant any sort of rearview camera or parking assist on the 2009 Pontiac Solstice.

Conclusion

With decent crash-test ratings but a lack of side airbags, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice has just acceptable safety.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Four stars, front impacts; five stars, side impactsNHTSAFour-wheel antilock disc brakes, as well as stability and traction control, are standardEdmundsSide airbags are not offeredConsumer GuideNew standard equipment includes StabiliTrak stability control, anti-lock brakes (ABS)Kelley Blue Book The Pontiac Solstice gets some much-needed safety improvements for the 2009 model, and while it hasn't yet been tested by the IIHS, its NHTSA ratings are acceptable. In NHTSA's front impact category, the Pontiac Solstice earns a decent four-star rating for crash protection—albeit against vehicles of similar weight. The side impact category is even stronger, with the 2009 Pontiac Solstice garnering a perfect five-star rating in both driver and passenger side impacts—though without side airbags. The Pontiac Solstice also wins, perhaps unsurprisingly, a perfect five-star rating in terms of rollover resistance, thanks in large part to its low center of gravity. In response to numerous criticisms regarding the standard safety features on the Pontiac Solstice, GM has upgraded the list to include some very common, and critical, technologies. According to Kelley Blue Book, "new standard equipment includes StabiliTrak stability control [and] anti-lock brakes (ABS)." Edmunds adds that "traction control [is] standard on all Pontiac Solstice trims," although unfortunately "side airbags aren't offered." Other than those newly standard features, TheCarConnection.com discovers little else in the way of active safety systems. Given the 2009 Pontiac Solstice's small dimensions and generous window size, it's probably unsurprising that visibility is generally good. The only real complaint in this regard comes from Consumer Guide reviewers, who find that "visibility to the rear is partially blocked by a pair of decklid humps directly behind the seat headrests." Although this obstruction is a nuisance, it's not enough to warrant any sort of rearview camera or parking assist on the 2009 Pontiac Solstice. ConclusionWith decent crash-test ratings but a lack of side airbags, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice has just acceptable safety. 2009 PONTIAC SOLSTICE STYLING | [8 out of 10] Edmunds: "This curvaceous roadster still commands looks from fellow drivers" Road and Track: "A cockpit defined—and constricted—by its sweeping center console" Autoblog: "Decidedly behind the curve" As if last year's Pontiac Solstice ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Honda S2000 may be the closest competitor to the Solstice GXP; it brings an incredibly rev-happy 237-horsepower, 2.2-liter VTEC four-cylinder and six-speed manual. Though it doesn't match the GXP for straight-line performance, it beats it for the tactile experience. The Miata covers the basics with a certain tactile charm that the Solstice lacks; the shift action, very direct steering feel, and sound of the modest engine powering the balanced, lightweight roadster is still unbeatable. The torquey Nissan 350Z Roadster is also worth a look for those who seek V-6 grunt above all else. Compared to the Solstice, the mechanically identical Saturn Sky includes more standard features at a higher price, although styling is quite different—and perhaps superior—on the Sky.

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See the Pontiac Solstice in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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